Do you think UK would be an ideal destination for your studies? This guide will help you get some impeccable insights into the best universities in UK for international students. This country has the second-highest number of Nobel Prize winners globally.

International students have abundant job opportunities for internships and part-time jobs during their studies and full-time employment after their course completion. UK is home to four of the world’s top ten universities.

A significant number of top universities in UK have global recognition for offering world-class education and infrastructure. As an international student, if you are looking for funding for your education, many universities in UK offer attractive scholarships.

Let’s not wait any more, get some detailed insights on the best universities in UK

List of Best Universities in UK

Table of contents

1. Aston University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1895

Total students: 15,500

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Times Higher Education has awarded Aston as the University of the Year in 2021, making it one of the top universities in UK. Besides, Aston University has received the prestigious Silver Award from Athene SWAN for its initiative towards gender equality.

If you are a bookworm, there is an exclusive library on campus with a wide range of digital and print resources. If you are looking for help in research, you will find one of the best library resources and e-journals for any subject. Therefore, you do get personalised support for learning and research.

The campus is located at the heart of Birmingham city, which offers a vibrant experience with its nightlife, culture, and various shopping options. An award-winning accommodation is offered to international students with outstanding facilities and a friendly study environment. 

Aston University is one of the best universities in UK for International students as they provide world-class counselling and mental well-being services with the help of dedicated counsellors and psychotherapy practitioners to resolve any issues or concerns the student may have. Besides, a fully functional gym, studios and sports centre is available on campus.

2. Heriot-Watt University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1821

Total students: 10,935

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Heriot Watt University is ranked 270th globally and 33rd in UK by QS World University Rankings, making it one of the best universities in UK for international students. Besides, it is ranked 2nd in the UK for the amount spent on student facilities. 

Heriot Watt is one of the most progressive and internationally recognised universities in UK. International students get the opportunity to excel both academically and personally during their program tenure. Around 95% of students have been employed at top firms within six months of graduation. 

The graduate salaries are ranked 17th in the UK. Studying at Heriot-Watt, you can develop strong leadership skills for tackling challenges in the workplace. Many global companies are actively seeking graduates from this university, making it one of the best universities to study in UK.

A wide range of support services is available to international students round the clock with the help of friendly and approachable staff. Students are trained well to adapt to university life quickly. Therefore, students are encouraged to approach the dedicated support staff to resolve any issues or concerns. 

3. Bath Spa University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 2005

Total students: 7,770

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Bath Spa is one of the top universities in UK, which cares for the environment. They have committed themselves to becoming a zero-carbon organisation by 2030. Students are encouraged to create awareness of climate change and pave the way in making necessary changes to become sustainable.

The university has an equality and diversity committee with the partnership of the students union for addressing issues of inequality and racism. Such initiatives are highly expected from other universities in UK to create a friendly study environment for international students. 

Around 95% of the graduates are currently employed or further studying within 15 months after graduation, making it one of the best universities in UK for international students. Various career support services are available to make students employable right after graduation.

The campus is located in the vibrant, beautiful and progressive city of UK, Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city. International students enjoy a close-knit community where they experience a warm and friendly study environment, helping them to focus on their academic goals.

4. Birmingham City University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1992

Total students: 24,500

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Birmingham City University is one of the best universities in UK for international students as many of its courses have internationally recognised accreditations. Besides, you can earn while you learn as there is a dedicated student employment agency to help you find student jobs on campus.

The university has invested a whopping £340 million to build the infrastructure for campuses and improve student facilities. A major expansion was done on the city campus, and another £41 million was allocated to City South Campus for creating specialised laboratories for new courses in sports and life sciences. 

International students who live 10 miles away from the campus are guaranteed university accommodation if they have accepted an offer while applying for their respective programs. They need to apply before the deadline to be granted accommodation on campus.

A high-quality teaching and learning environment is offered to students with world-class student facilities, making it one of the top universities in UK for your studies. Besides, six libraries are available on campus, having a vast collection of 62 million resources.

 

5. Lancaster University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1964

Total students: 15,979

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Lancaster is one of the top universities in UK as they are ranked 132nd out of 1000 universities by QS World University Rankings. They have also won two major awards from “Sunday Times Good University Guide” and “The Times.”

A world-class research facility is available to international students, and Lancaster is a research-focused university. Therefore, 35% of the research is labelled as world-leading, and 45% is classified as internationally excellent by the UK government’s “Research Excellence Framework.”

National Student Survey conducted a survey, and 83% of Lancaster students have said that they are satisfied with the quality of education compared to the national average of 75%, making it one of the best universities in UK for international students. The university faculty is highly qualified and very much approachable and amicable. 

The university offers an award-winning accommodation with around 7000-bed spaces for students of all programs. Whether you are in a library, room, theatre, or enjoying coffee at one of the cool Costa outlets, you would be able to access high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the campus.

6. Cardiff Metropolitan University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 2011

Total students: 33,190

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Cardiff University is one of the best universities in UK for international students as they are ranked 7th in UK and best university in Wales by Uni Compare Top 100 University Rankings. The student reviews impact the ranking hugely across the universities in UK.  

This university has an outstanding track record in applied research supported by a strong base of scholarships and expertise. Research degrees are offered to international students whose primary focus is to understand a subject deeper by conducting research with an independent study. 

Cardiff is one of the top universities in UK for your studies as they offer impartial, free and confidential student support services. They can help you with counselling, advice on money, well-being, disability, and help students with financial difficulties. 

The campus is located in Cardiff which is one of the best student cities in the UK. They have an excellent year-round calendar of events for students. Major sporting events are conducted, such as the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final, heavyweight championship boxing and major theatre productions and music events. 

7. Coventry University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1992

Total students: 34,125

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Coventry University is one of the top universities in UK as they are ranked as the best young UK university for International Outlook by the “Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.” and number 1 for overseas student experiences based on the student trips abroad. 

A dedicated student engagement centre is available to international students to resolve any issues or concerns, and students are encouraged to ask any questions. Academic tutors at this university have a profound knowledge of the industry, and they help students find internships.

It is one of the best universities in UK for international students as they have collected an extensive list of awards and accolades for quality teaching, learning and excellent study environment. Besides, International students have a very positive perception of the university. 

Coventry University has a broad global reach as they deliver education through collaboration. They have a worldwide network of 30,000 + students from more than 40 countries, offering a diverse culture for international students to gain more exposure.

8. Middlesex University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1878

Total students: 19,635

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Middlesex is one of the best universities in UK for international students as they are ranked as one of the top 15 universities in the world by Times Higher Education. Besides, the academic staff encourages students to strengthen their outstanding platform for research.

International students can join a club or society, and they have over 85 clubs, societies and student groups on campus. You can join a gospel chair, play basketball or support student rights where you might find any person of your interest to make genuine friendships.

The university helps international students to find accommodation at the campus or a privately rented place in London. The accommodation facilities are world-class with an ideal study environment and share facilities to study, watch TV, have food and play sports.

An outstanding academic, learning, library, and IT support is available to international students, making it one of the top universities in UK. A personal tutor is available at request for any course of your choice. You can book training sessions and one to one tutorials to learn and understand complex subjects. 

9. Cranfield University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1946

Total students: 7,000

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Cranfield is one of the top universities in UK as they are ranked 5th in UK for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering by QS World Rankings. Besides, they are a 6th-time winner of the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize. 

The university’s research is industry-relevant, and 81% of the research is classified as the world’s leading and internationally outstanding research. Therefore, they are number 1 in manufacturing and production engineering PhDs. 

International students who have been placed in full-time programs are eligible to apply for accommodation at Cranfield Campus. As there is a high demand for on-campus housing, students are requested to apply as soon as they receive their EVE login information for securing the accommodation of their choice. 

On-campus living is really super cool as you would experience an impressive study environment with a friendly student community where you can create strong friendships. You will experience a diverse global community from over 100 countries, and cultural diversity is valued equally, making it one of the best universities in UK.

10. Newcastle University

Type of institution: University

Total students: 28,070

On-Campus accommodation: Available

Newcastle University is one of the best universities in UK for international students as they are ranked 134th globally by QS World University Rankings. They were awarded the prestigious five plus QS Stars for overall excellence.

They won the “Times Higher Education Awards” for offering outstanding support to students. Besides, they have received many international accreditations and accolades in an array of categories making it one of the top universities in UK for your education.

There are two types of accommodation available to international students: university-owned and managed partnership accommodation. Once you have signed the contract, you are liable to pay till the contract is complete, even if you move out early and they don’t take any deposit for university-owned accommodation.

Catered and self-catered accommodation is open to international students with a wide variety of food options that suits every taste. A small kitchen is available that is equipped with a microwave, kettle, cooker, refrigerator and toaster to prepare light meals and drinks.

11. De Montfort University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1870

Total students: 25,810

On-Campus accommodation: Available

De Montfort is one of the top universities in UK as they offer an award-winning career and employability service for international students to help them find jobs immediately after graduation. Therefore, personalised and flexible career support is provided to students as per their needs, and guaranteed job opportunities are offered to all students.

International students can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, and all the rooms are completely furnished. You know what? Bedding packs are offered to international students on arrival, which would be really helpful. Besides, they have been one of the leading environmentally-friendly universities in UK for a whole decade. 

A wide array of student support services is available to international students, with a dedicated student support team working round the clock. Besides, life skills are taught to students to tackle high-pressure situations in the workplace to live a healthy and productive life, proving it to be one of the best universities in UK for international students.

Modern student accommodation is open to international students, an easy walking distance from the campus. Students can choose from 9 halls of residence, which is a great opportunity to meet many new people and create strong connections.

12. University of Bristol

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1909

Total students: 25,955

The University of Bristol is one of the best universities in UK for international students as they are ranked among the top 10 in UK by QS World University Rankings. Besides, it is one of the top 5 most preferred universities in UK for employers to hire graduates, and it is among the top 5 universities in UK for research. 

The faculty of engineering comprises world-class facilities that are open to external researchers. Besides, the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre offers excellent facilities with high specification laboratories, office space, and laboratory space. Lecture halls and exhibition spaces can accommodate big events and small meetings with up to 800 delegates. Therefore, for residential events, exclusive group accommodation is offered.

The University of Bristol is one of the top universities in UK to achieve your academic goals. You can access the resources online and attend one-to-one tutoring sessions, small group workshops, and drop-in tutoring sessions. Therefore, a flexible way of learning and an ideal study environment is offered to international students.

Top Universities in UK fpr Bachelors

  1. University of York
  2. University of Leeds
  3. University of Exeter
  4. University of Bristol
  5. University of Surrey
  6. Lancaster University
  7. Newcastle University
  8. University of Aberdeen
  9. University of Sheffield
  10. Queen Mary University of London

Top 10 Universities in UK (Top Ranking Universities in UK)

  1. University of Oxford
  2. University of Cambridge 
  3. Imperial College London
  4. University College London (UCL) 
  5. University of Edinburgh 
  6. University of Manchester 
  7. King's College London 
  8. London School of Economics and Political Science 
  9. University of Warwick 
  10. University of Bristol 

Best Universities in UK for Masters (List of Top Universities in UK for Masters)

  1. Aston University
  2. Bath Spa University
  3. University of Exeter
  4. University of Bristol
  5. University of Surrey
  6. University of Dundee
  7. Lancaster University
  8. Newcastle University
  9. Queens University Belfast
  10. Edinburgh Napier University

Top Universities in UK for MS

  1. University College London
  2. King’s College London
  3. University of Bristol
  4. University of Edinburgh
  5. University of Warwick

Top Universities in UK for MS in Computer Science

  1. University of Bristol
  2. University of Birmingham
  3. University of Southampton
  4. The University of Edinburgh
  5. Queen Mary University of London

Top Universities in UK for Masters in Computer Science

  1. Newcastle University
  2. Lancaster University
  3. University of Sheffield
  4. Anglia Ruskin University
  5. Leeds Beckett University

Top MBA Universities in UK (Best Universities in UK for MBA)

  1. Brunel University
  2. Coventry University
  3. University of Greenwich
  4. University of Sunderland
  5. Cardiff Metropolitan University

Best Universities in UK for BBA

  1. University of Exeter
  2. De Montfort University
  3. University of Sunderland
  4. University of Huddersfield
  5. Sheffield Hallam University

Top Universities in UK for Masters in Business Analytics

  1. Aston University
  2. University of Kent
  3. Lancaster University
  4. University of Liverpool
  5. University of Loughborough

Best Engineering Universities in UK

  1. University of Bolton
  2. University of Bradford
  3. University of Sheffield
  4. University of Central Lancashire
  5. Queen Mary University of London

Top Mechanical Engineering Universities in UK

  1. Aston University
  2. Coventry University
  3. University of Leeds
  4. University of Salford
  5. University of Sheffield

Best Automotive Engineering Universities in UK

  1. Coventry University
  2. University of Leeds
  3. Staffordshire University
  4. Birmingham City University
  5. University of Loughborough

Best Civil Engineering Universities in UK

  1. Ulster University
  2. Teesside University
  3. University of Leeds
  4. Queens University Belfast
  5. Birmingham City University

Best Medical Universities in UK

  1. Newcastle University
  2. University of Plymouth
  3. De Montfort University
  4. Queen Mary University of London
  5. Canterbury Christ Church University 

Best Universities for Data Science in UK

  1. University of Leeds
  2. University of Glasgow
  3. University of Warwick
  4. University of Edinburgh
  5. University College London

Best Architecture Universities in UK

  1. De Montfort University
  2. Northumbria University
  3. University of East London
  4. Birmingham City University
  5. Edinburgh Napier University

Law Universities in UK

  1. Coventry University
  2. University of Leeds
  3. University of Bolton
  4. Lancaster University
  5. Sheffield Hallam University

Affordable Universities in UK

  1. Teesside University
  2. Coventry University
  3. University of Bolton
  4. University of West London
  5. University of East London

Famous Universities in UK

  1. University of Oxford
  2. University of Edinburgh
  3. University of Cambridge
  4. Imperial College London
  5. The University of Manchester

January Intake Universities in UK

  1. Brunel University
  2. Coventry University
  3. Oxford Brookes University
  4. Edinburgh Napier University
  5. Queen Mary University of London

May Intake Universities in UK

  1. Kingston University
  2. Cranfield University
  3. University of Greenwich
  4. University of Bedfordshire
  5. University of West London

Best Public Universities in UK

  1. Cambridge University
  2. Edinburgh University
  3. Manchester University 
  4. King’s College London 
  5. University College London

Best Private Universities in UK

  1. BPP University College
  2. University of Buckingham
  3. Plymouth Marjon University
  4. Regent’s University London
  5. St. Mary’s University, Twickenham

Top Universities in London UK

  1. Brunel University
  2. Kingston University London
  3. University of West London
  4. University of East London
  5. Queen Mary University of London

Universities in Scotland UK

  1. Abertay University
  2. Heriot-Watt University
  3. Queen Margaret University
  4. Edinburgh Napier University
  5. Glasgow Caledonian University

Universities in Cambridge UK

  1. Westminster College
  2. University of Cambridge
  3. Anglia Ruskin University
  4. Cambridge Regional College
  5. Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

Universities in Leeds UK

  1. University of Leeds
  2. Leeds Arts University
  3. Leeds Beckett University

Universities in Leicester UK

  1. De Montfort University
  2. University of Leicester
  3. Loughborough University

We hope this guide helped you in finding the best universities in UK.